Monday 2 April 2012

Recent bits and pieces + Bird walk.

Apologies again for not managing to comment or reply to comments recently, I'm hoping to get back to regular posting over the next couple of weeks!! I have managed to get out and about here and there over the last week or so. Last weekend (Mar 23-26th) was spent in Barcelona, looking at the fabulous work of Gaudi and eating Tapas etc!! Highly recommended :-)
A bit of Gaudi on the roof of La Pedrera

Back on the patch the first BLACKCAP (76) arrived on the 28th, with 3 present when I took a group round on Saturday 31st March. Dad is 90% sure he had a RED KITE on the 29th. It was a little distant and the light was against him. We have also been getting a few moths despite the cold nights with a very early Purple Thorn and a very nice Pine Beauty.
Purple Thorn morning of the 29th

Pine Beauty
 
The walk on Saturday was really enjoyable, a lovely group attended and we managed to find 52 species during the morning. The highlights were 2 MANDARIN,3 BLACKCAP, 1 FIELDFARE, 20 REDWINGS, many CHIFFCHAFF, (9-10) and good numbers of GREEN WOODPECKERS calling and still a dozen or so YELLOWHAMMERS. Despite it being a bit cooler than of late there was plenty to keep us occupied a surprising omission was Bullfinch which have been ever present so far this year.
Nuthatch in full cry!!

Blue Tit

One of the Yellowhammers still staying around.

Yesterday I finally saw my first butterflies at Sissinghurst this year, 2 Peacocks and a Large White.
Peacock

Peacock no.2

15 comments:

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Bellas imágenes... La mariposa sobre la flor del almendro preciosa... Felicidades...

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Bellas imágenes... La mariposa sobre la flor del almendro preciosa... Felicidades...

Mike H said...

Great shots Alan good to hear from you again!

Tammy said...

Great photos Alan! The peacock is gorgeous!

ShySongbird said...

Lovely photos Alan. I find Nuthatches frustratingly elusive and have only ever managed a few poor photos. Love the one of the Blue Tit and despite seeing a number of Peacocks recently, they have all been on the ground or the side of the house, yours are much more picturesque!

Anonymous said...

The Peacocks are beautiful! I am starting to see a few butterflies around our area (Tennessee, U.S.A.) but haven't been able to capture one yet!

Lasse said...

Beautiful shots Alan !

Ornitocampero.blogspot.com.es said...

The Yellow hammer really difficult to see around here, nice Gaudi art,indeed.
Saludos from Pamplona!

Millhouse Photography said...

Gorgeous photographs Alan. The Purple Thorn image is especially brilliant.

Warren Baker said...

I like the Look of that Pine Beauty Alan, lovely little moth.

Peacock Butterflies have eluded me so far this spring!

FAB said...

Great to see the colourful flutters Alan ... let's hope the forecast drop in temps doesn't have an adverse effect on them.

Eduardo said...

Muy bonita la foto del herrerillo común, ( Blue Tit ) Me gusta mucho, asi como otras muchas de tus fotografías. Felicidades.

Greenie said...

Alan ,
That Pine Beauty certainly lives up to it's name .
Should start getting Orange Tips in the wet woods behind the lakes soon .

Brian King said...

Gorgeous shots of the moths and butterfly! Wonderful detail! I like the Blue Tit, too!

Richard Waring said...

Great story and shots Alan, lovely to sit here in Australia and read what is happening on the other side of the world. Looks like Spring has sprung, cheers, Richard